Patients As Partners: Reimaging Healthcare Relationships

Assoc Prof Devanand Anantham Topic: And we became more like friends: Reimagining doctor-patient relationships

Abstract:
This lecture delves into the concept of "medical friendship," exploring the relational aspects of the doctor-patient relationship from both philosophical and practical perspectives. This role for doctors challenges transactional and narrow conceptions patient-centred models and advocates for a more humanistic approach to the practice of medicine. I present qualitative data from COPD patients in an ambulatory setting in Singapore on what meaningful doctor-patient relationships would like in the context of making medical decisions for the management of chronic diseases. Themes that are identified from interpretive analysis include the relevance of mutual care, personal connection, and shared activities between doctors and patients. I also discuss the roles of doctors in providing not just clinical care but also emotional support, emphasising the significance of friendliness and effective communication. Through patient and doctor narratives, I illustrate how the  “like a friend” role for doctors can enhance patient satisfaction and outcomes. This role underscores the need for doctors to balance technical competence with genuine care and concern, ultimately reimagining the doctor-patient relationship as a partnership.